Psychologist – FAQ's

Why should I choose to work with Psych-Recruitment rather than another recruiter or  directly to employers?

There are substantial advantages to going through our agency:

  • Your skills and experience will be reviewed by a psychologist with a sound knowledge of the needs of the employers.
  • We are approved providers for the majority of employers who recruit psychologists from overseas, which means that they have asked for our help to source candidates and they trust us to short list suitable applicants.
  • We will help you to make sure your applications are of a high standard and tailored to the local format and the employers needs. We then get them directly to the right person and our extensive network of contacts means we know the people to contact
  • For short listed candidates we offer invaluable assistance with interview preparation such as understanding local service delivery models. 
  • Employers use our service when recruiting from overseas because of our expertise of international recruitment. They know we will coordinate professional registration, immigration, and that our candidates will arrive on time. They also know that our candidates will have been fully apprised of the salary they will earn, the costs of migrating and whether a location and job will meet their expectations. In general our clients are more likely to be interested in overseas candidates where we can confirm that all of these factors have been addressed.
  • Not all vacancies are advertised. For example we often help employers with future service development needs. This means we can be actively seeking skills for positions twelve to twenty four months ahead of the jobs availability. This can be ideal for overseas candidates who need extra time to organise migration.
  • You will have the security and peace of mind knowing that you are going through a highly reputable agency with well established relationships, which has specialised in psychologist recruitment , since 2003.
Should I list myself with several agencies to increase my chances?

Registering with several agencies will confuse the situation for the employers as they may receive inquiries for the same person from several sources and it will not increase your chances of employment. In deciding how best to apply for positions we recommend you decide who you believe is able to best assess your skills, provide information about the local practice of psychology, help you prepare your applications so that you have the best possible chance at being short-listed and interview.

Psych-Recruitment is committed to providing an excellent service and we prefer to work exclusively with people who want to work with us to find the best possible position. We believe we have a sound reputation with employers for presenting high quality applications.

Don't I receive a lower salary if I use a recruitment agency?

The answer is 'no' as you are employed by our clients not by us. The salary and conditions offered are the same as any other psychologists in the workplace. Frequently job-seekers stand to gain financially by using our service as we will assist with negotiation of conditions to ensure that employers award a salary appropriate to your skills and experience. We will also tell you what you can expect to earn and how this compares to other employers.

Why do overseas psychologists want to work in New Zealand?

Work related – the profession is well developed and the role of psychologist is valued in the society, good working conditions, excellent training, and to experience different ways of working.

Lifestyle related - Pleasant climate, un-crowded with lots of space, unique culture, an easy way-of-life, access to beautiful scenery, plenty of affordable recreational opportunities such as diving, sailing, golf, fishing, climbing, skiing, etc.

Immigration opportunities – The countries we recruit to offer skilled migrant migration policies which can lead to permanent residency for those who qualify. The majority of the psychologists Psych-Recruitment places will obtain residency.

Is there an age limit?

If you want permanent residence in New Zealand then there is an age limit of 55 years (i.e. before the 56th birthday). There is no age limit if you are coming for a working holiday, however short term contracts are generally more difficult to obtain. Talk to us about your situation and we will be able to advise you of the options.

Will my partner and dependants be able to get immigration visas too?

Yes, in most cases where you have been sponsored into immigration through employment your partner and/or dependents will also be able to make application based on their relationship to you. As a guide you would typically need to be in a committed relationship (i.e., marriage, civil union or de facto) for 12 months or more.

What types of psychologists do you assist?

The majority of our jobs are for fully qualified clinical, forensic,and educational psychologists.  We occasionally place qualified health and counselling psychologists.

What grades of psychologists find work in New Zealand?

Our clients are seeking fully qualified psychologists. Generally the more experience the better but some industries may employ new graduates. We do not offer trainee positions.

Are there many overseas psychologists working in New Zealand?

Due to the number of new service development roles added in a range of industries there is now a significant number of overseas trained psychologists working in New Zealand. The majority are from Britain and South Africa but also include Australians,  Irish, Canadians, Americans, Dutch,  to name a few. New Zealand is welcoming to new immigrants who generally find the country easy to settle in.

Does Psych-Recruitment decide where I work or do I decide myself?

No, not all locations suit everyone.  Therefore, it is very important that you decide whether a location is right for you and any immediate family members relocating.  We will provide you with information about locations and encourage you to think carefully about whether it would suite your lifestyle needs.  We are not only committed to finding the job that is right for you but also the location. That said not all locations have skill shortages so we will tell you how often jobs may become available.

Is there a minimum length of time I have to go for?

The majority of our vacancies are for permanent positions. For those relocating from overseas the costs means that short term positions are not usually financially viable.   The majority of people we assist migrate permanently or if not , then for a minimum of two years. We would recommend two years as a starting point. The first year to settle and induct and the second is generally more relaxed. Most of our clients are happy with at least a two year commitment and some will offer a contribution to relocation based on this.

What if English is not my first Language?

Psychologists who want to work in New Zealand will need to be highly fluent in written and spoken English. If English is not your first language and your qualifications were not completed in the English language then you will likely need to complete an exam through the International Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Module). The minimum pass mark required is 7.5 overall, with no less than 7.0 on each section. Details are available at www.ielts.org

You will need to meet this requirement before you can register or apply an interest in any of our job profiles. 

What is the best way to find out further information about working in New Zealand?

To register your details and obtain a Psych-Recruitment user account. This will give you direct access to a recruitment consultant who is a psychologist in order to discuss your options and to learn about a range of vacancies most suited to your individual needs.

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